D.C. National Guard partners with D.C. Metropolitan Police to support Maria relief efforts

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Supplies are offloaded from a D.C. Air National Guard C-40 in San Juan Puerto Rico Sept. 27, 2017. The supplies accompanied 10 D.C. MPD officers who will be assisting Puerto Rico law enforcement

A volunteer with the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration waives a Puerto Rico and U.S. Flag in support of 10 D.C. MPD officers heading to support the territory's law enforcement agencies

Members of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department receive a passenger brief from a D.C. Air National Guard crew member before boarding the DCANG aircraft for San Juan Puerto Rico Sept. 27, 2017

WASHINGTON, DC (09/29/2017) (readMedia)-- The 113th Wing, District of Columbia Air National Guard, provided airlift support to members of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Sept. 27.

Their role is to augment and assist Puerto Rico's local law enforcement agencies. Eight of the ten officers have previous experience in the Puerto Rico police departments.

During the process of planning air transportation through formal channels, an MPD officer decided to contact the D.C. National Guard for assistance. The request came to the Joint Force Headquarters-District of Columbia, director of military support, who coordinated through the Puerto Rico National Guard and National Guard Bureau channels to request the services of the 201st Airlift Squadron.

Knowing of the MPD's mission, the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration, coordinated with the officers to carry 3,000 lbs. of supplies donated by local businesses and community organizations. These supplies were loaded unto the C-40 Clipper aircraft by 201st Airlift Squadron ground crews and 113th Wing volunteers.

Petty Officer 1st Class Pablo Torres, health service technician, from the Coast Guard Yard, Curtis Bay, was also able to fly onboard the aircraft after submitting a Military Space Available request. Torres took military leave to board the flight in hopes to volunteer in the relief efforts.

Currently, 31 D.C. National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are supporting hurricane Maria relief efforts. Some have provided on-site support, while others have provided support to National Guard Bureau operation centers located in the National Capital Region.

The 201st Airlift Squadron's mission is to provide distinguished visitor and special airlift capability for U.S. diplomatic, political, government and military leaders. The squadron also flies global missions as part of the Joint Operational Support Airlift Center network.

The partnership between the MPD and the D.C. National Guard stems from their mutual efforts to support the District of Columbia during national special security events, severe weather, and presidential inaugurations. Additionally, MPD and DCNG Citizen Airmen and Solders serve in the ranks of both organizations.